Meaningful child participation in the design process
When designing products for children, it is essential to involve them from the very beginning. In practice, this is challenging, because its importance is not always clear to clients and designers often lack structural support. This project explores how to promote more meaningful child participation?
Objective
The aim of this research is to gain insight into how designers and practice‑based researchers discuss child participation with clients, and to identify promising moments and contexts in which designers can create support and space for children’s participation throughout the entire design process.
Results
- A mapping of the challenges designers encounter when involving children (early) in the design process.
- A mapping of the approaches and effective strategies identified in both theoretical literature and professional practice.
- An overview of the opportunities and design questions that emerge from synthesizing the challenges map and the approaches map.
Approach
The project is conducted in three phases: an exploratory phase (examining barriers and needs), an inventory phase (mapping insights from practice and existing strategies), and a design phase (conducting an opportunity analysis). In each phase, designers and practice‑based researchers are actively involved.
Projectupdates
Co-funding
The co‑funding for this project has been established in collaboration with KIEM MV 2025 and is supported by the project’s partners.
